Mineral Spirits and Bluing

[whyhatchu]

I'm in the process of cleaning my first mosin and I have a question regarding mineral spirits and the barrel.

I'm soaking the barrel and action in a pvc pipe filled with mineral spirits, is there a maximum amount of time that I should be leaving it in there? Can leaving it in there for too long possibly damage the bluing/finish?

[CaliB&R]

The finish will be fine, just be sure to oil the metal before reassembly to protect it.

[whyhatchu]

Thank you!

[CEDaytonaRydr]

Your finish will be fine. It's takes something like an acid (naval jelly, for example) to remove bluing.

[NOTABIKER]

carb or brake cleaner will take off the painted on bluing , MS ok.

[Shane916]

I'm in the process of cleaning my first mosin and I have a question regarding mineral spirits and the barrel.

I'm soaking the barrel and action in a pvc pipe filled with mineral spirits, is there a maximum amount of time that I should be leaving it in there? Can leaving it in there for too long possibly damage the bluing/finish?

I did that method my M59 for 2 days. 6 years later the bluing is still perfect. Thoroughly clean the spirits off and lube properly and you will be good to go.

[sealocan]

I was told that vinegar, just regular household vinegar can take off bluing

[CEDaytonaRydr]

I was told that vinegar, just regular household vinegar can take off bluing

Its an acid...

[BruinGuy]

I've never had bluing come off with carb cleaner. However, some Mosins and other milsurps have been hastily refinished, and paint applied in worn spots over the bluing. That will come off with many cleaners (and often will flake off some with just rubbing with a rag).

You don't have to worry about mineral spirits though. It's also a good cleaner for the stock, although if that was permeated with cosmo it's best to sweat that first.

[CEDaytonaRydr]

I've never had bluing come off with carb cleaner.

Yeah, that's never happened to me either.

I use Chem dip, followed up by carb cleaner spray to remove cosmoline, and it's never hurt the finish on any of my milsurps.

However, some Mosins and other milsurps have been hastily refinished, and paint applied in worn spots over the bluing. That will come off with many cleaners (and often will flake off some with just rubbing with a rag).

That has happened to me.

Most notably, on Mosins...